Chapter 4: It is all the fault of the steamed buns

"Isn't it just a steamed bun?" Lady Feng smiled, hurriedly walked to the corner of the wall, picked up the bun, carefully blew on it, and held it in her hand. "I will go have the kitchen warm it up."

Pick it up

"This is truly remarkable," Feng Zhiwei said, putting down the steamed bun. With a smile, she looked at Madam Feng and added, "Those who do not know might genuinely believe that our Madam Feng is a gentle and virtuous woman, completely devoted to teaching her children and oblivious to state affairs."

"How can one eat in such cold?" Feng Hao took a bite, frowned, and with a flick of his hand, threw the bun away. The hard bun hit the ground with a resounding clang. "I won't eat it!"

On the dining table, there was a bowl of cabbage vermicelli, along with two steamed buns, both of which had lost their warmth. The vermicelli had turned into a murky soup, and the buns had hardened like bricks of a city wall. Once the eldest daughter of the Qiu family, now Mrs. Feng, sat at the side of a low table with one leg broken, diligently attempting to scrape away the unsightly black stains on the table with a small knife

The steamed bun in my hand is as hard as iron; why not say to heat it up

It is quite normal; one just needs to get used to it

Feng Zhiwei entered the courtyard and headed straight for the dining table—after a morning filled with murder, falling into water, and being embraced by others, she was already so hungry that her stomach was pressing against her ribs

"Don't!" Feng Hao's expression changed dramatically as he glared at her angrily, "Aren't you my sister? Sending me to that fiery pit? You wicked woman, unable to live long yourself, yet you want to drag me down with you..."

Feng Zhiwei remained silent, biting into the steamed bun as she looked at her, her eyes, partially obscured by the bun, appeared soft and alluring, yet when her gaze was fixed and unmoving, it emanated an inherent air of nobility and brilliance

Meanwhile, as if waiting on the sidelines, the cook's scream suddenly rang out

"Hao'er, why are you in such a hurry? Be careful not to bite your tongue." Lady Feng immediately reached out lovingly to stroke the child's hair, "Are you cold? Would you like me to get you something warm?"

Feng Zhiwei frowned and sat down: "Clearly there are three people, so why are there only two steamed buns?"

See if there is anything delicious, and bring some back

Although only she knows that Feng Hao is actually just an adopted son, at least he is a male, capable of carrying on the Feng family name in the future

Feng Hao shrank back, feeling inexplicably cold at heart every time his sister spoke to him with a smile. In her bright and beautiful eyes, there seemed to be something invisible to ordinary people, binding his heart tightly.

Enough. Lady Feng calmly interrupted her, carefully considering the amount of cabbage and vermicelli, and cautiously poured a little more.

Hao'er

Bang!

Lady Feng, feeling helpless, could only say: "It is said that Princess Shaoning will also be coming"

Decades have passed, and upon looking back, the once youthful visage has changed. The extraordinary heroine of yesteryear, rumored to possess a fiery temperament, has long since faded into the annals of history, leaving only a vivid outline, gazing back in solitude amidst the myriad of legends that have receded into the distance

Feng Hao was startled by that stern reprimand, momentarily at a loss for words. Madam Feng stared directly at him, then glanced at Feng Zhiwei, whose eyes held a hint of fading amusement, though the corners of her lips curved slightly upward.

To be honest, Lady Feng has been able to support her burden during the most difficult times and has never told anyone that she is not her biological daughter, allowing her to remain in the snobbish Qiu residence. She is already sufficiently grateful for this

"Know the subtlety." Lady Feng set down her chopsticks and said, "How many times have I told you, as a woman, do not speak recklessly about state affairs."

Initially, the house was personally allocated by the lady. It was expected that the proud sister-in-law would cause a great uproar. However, after Lady Feng, Qiu Mingying, eloped and left home, she returned many years later with a pair of children and completely changed her previous demeanor, becoming very agreeable and accepting of all the arrangements made by her brother and sister-in-law

Isn't it? Lady Feng ignored her, delicately picking up a strand of vermicelli, frowning as she contemplated the similarities in the world, which can sometimes be vastly different. For instance, this vermicelli looks very much like the exquisite fish fins I used to eat—premium small rib fins, simmered gently in chicken broth, then wrapped in large purple abalone and fine Yunnan ham, and cooked together in lotus leaves. The finished product is clear, rich, and delicate, with a fragrant aroma of lotus... Similarly, that person, though Zhiwei and Shaoning share such similar appearances, their identities and circumstances are worlds apart. Why bother thinking so much? It's all fate.

Stepping out of the threshold, Feng Hao commanded loudly and with great presence.

I will go. After a moment, Feng Zhiwei sighed and took the steamed bun from Madam Feng's hand—those people in the kitchen were very snobbish, and she did not want to see her mother humbly begging for help, only to be wounded by the sharpness of their words

Feng Zhiwei let out a soft "Oh," immediately withdrew her gaze, and continued to gnaw on the steamed bun—Shaoning had arrived—her uncle's son was all excited—the entire household was in a frenzy, trying to please her—the kitchen was busy catering to the picky princess—while she could only eat the leftover dishes.

The kitchen was equipped with steamers of various sizes, and the air was filled with steam, obscuring faces. A peculiar sweet aroma lingered in the air, hinting at the creation of some new delicacies. Feng Zhiwei did not wish to disturb anyone, so she quietly found an empty stove, poured water into the pot, and prepared to reheat the buns.

There is a thief! The imperial feast that was offered has been stolen

Suddenly, she slowly turned her head and fixed her gaze on Feng Hao

Manager Zhao said, "Your Majesty will arrive at Qiu Mansion tomorrow. The kitchen is very busy, and this is all we have." Lady Feng did not touch the steamed bun, carefully scooping a bit of the vermicelli soup and sipping it slowly

Madam Feng, with a fierce glare, stared at her face in a daze. Suddenly, she sighed, extended her finger to press down, and the spinning bowls and chopsticks on the table immediately came to a halt. A bit of spilled soup splashed onto Madam Feng's finger, and feeling regretful, she instinctively wanted to lick it. However, upon raising her head and meeting Feng Zhiwei's gaze, she quickly wiped her hand on her apron.

Originally, those who once brought shame to their family and found their way back in desperation have no right to quibble about anything

Feng Zhiwei looked at him, her eyes still smiling. She sat down with a smile and continued to nibble on her steamed bun, saying lightly: "You won't pick it up, will you? Fine, you are grown up now and have your own opinions. Tomorrow, I will go to ask the lady to let you accompany the third young master in his studies. You are so clever; it is certain that in the future, our Feng family will be renowned, and we will have to rely on you."

Feng Zhiwei quietly entered the kitchen through the side door. She still had that sallow complexion, and her eyebrows were drawn in a drooping manner. However, with just these two changes, her entire appearance and demeanor transformed dramatically, leaving no interest for anyone to take a second glance.

Feng Zhiwei's demeanor has always been gentle and soft, with a hint of laughter seemingly hidden in her eyes. She is naturally endowed with a misty and hazy gaze, lacking any hint of dominance when looking at others. The sharp and fierce presence that Lady Feng briefly displayed earlier is nowhere to be found in her.

It was only the indulgence of his mother that made him feel invincible. He took a step back, distancing himself from Feng Zhiwei, and then raised his head, disdainfully snorting through his nose.

What is Your Majesty doing outside the palace

"Watching the disaster relief is a pretense, but observing whether His Highness the Prince of Chu's nine city offices are negligent in their duties is the truth, isn't it?" Feng Zhiwei forcefully tore the bun's skin, "A few days ago, His Highness the Crown Prince was impeached for taking in several beauties from the Western Liao, and his royal seal was suspended. The political winds in the court have become chaotic again. The Prince of Chu is part of the Crown Prince's faction, so naturally, there are those who would take advantage of the situation."

A cold wave struck a few days ago, resulting in the deaths of many people in the capital. The nine city offices are distributing relief and porridge, and Your Majesty might want to take a look at the situation

Feng Zhiwei's footsteps paused slightly at the threshold for a moment, then she left without looking back, faintly hearing behind her that her mother seemed to be holding Feng Hao in her arms, softly comforting him

"Alright... it's all in the past now." The fierce female leader vanished in an instant, leaving behind the same woman sitting opposite Feng Zhiwei, who was cherishing a broken bowl while sipping vegetable soup. "Hurry up and eat, and after you're done, go help Granny Zhao up front."

Feng Zhiwei merely smiled, remaining still

Feng Zhiwei stared at the steamed bun—this was the breakfast from this morning. Three people were to share two buns, and her mother hadn't even touched them, only drinking the leftover vegetable soup from the night before. Now, this precious bun had been smashed by her brother's reckless hand, covered in dust.

Feng Zhiwei lowered her eyes, looking at the steamed bun in her mother's hand, observing her mother's once smooth and delicate hands now marred by rough cracks. She then glanced at her mother's drooping temples, realizing that at some point, the dark hair had turned to streaks of gray. That hint of white stung her eyes.

It is simply that fragrance that is truly irresistible... Feng Zhiwei rubbed her belly, feeling even hungrier.

She does not even know what kind of experience could have dulled the once brilliant and sharp edges, leading to the current life of restraint and hardship.

At this moment, the large kitchen was in complete disarray, busy preparing the most novel and exquisite snacks for the picky princess. Princess Shaoning is the most favored daughter of the current ruler. It is said that during the early days of the founding of the nation, amidst the chaos of war, the princess, who was still in swaddling clothes, became separated from His Majesty. It took considerable effort to find her. On the day the princess was found, auspicious signs appeared in the heavens. Shortly thereafter, the capital was captured, and the Tiansheng Dynasty was established. Therefore, His Majesty has always regarded this daughter as a lucky star and dotes on her exceptionally.

The water in the pot was bubbling and steaming, and Feng Zhiwei did not dare to linger. After the water had boiled for a while, she went to lift the lid, estimating that the buns were half heated and would suffice. Just as her hand touched the surface of the bun, she suddenly heard a crisp sound.

The bowls and chopsticks on the table trembled, clattering chaotically. Lady Feng, with her hand pressed on the table, raised her eyebrows and focused her gaze. In an instant, her eyes sparkled with a fierce intensity, reminiscent of the commanding presence she once held as a formidable female leader.

Feng Zhiwei seemed to be unaware.

The mother and daughter chatted while eating

There were quite a few delicious foods on the cutting board, yet Feng Zhiwei did not even glance at them. Feng Hao's request for her to bring some good food was due to his lack of understanding. Given the awkward position of her and her mother in the household, she only hoped that others would not make things difficult for them, let alone stir up more trouble.

Feng Zhiwei gazed at the beautiful yet slightly aged face of Madam Feng, slowly retracting her hand that was propped on the table. Just as she sighed and was about to sit down, someone suddenly burst through the door behind her, bringing in a chilling gust of air. They plopped down beside her, grabbed the untouched steamed bun from Madam Feng, and began to munch on it while mumbling indistinctly, "Another steamed bun!"

She ate her meal with a delightful aroma, not lifting her head. Feng Zhiwei glanced at her sideways and said softly: "Indeed, there is nothing wrong with that. Madam Feng has always been like this. As for the so-called 'tiger girl of the military family,' born with exceptional talent, she accompanied her father to battle at the age of ten, personally killed at twelve, and at fourteen, she was entrusted with a critical mission on the battlefield, leading thirty thousand bare-chested warriors to confront the enemy, causing heads to roll and blood to dance in the yellow sand. She became famous in one battle, admired by the world, known as the Fire Phoenix..."

As for those feelings of kinship and warmth ...? ... Forget it, if one cannot even grasp their own life, what else can one hope for

She was focused on waiting for the water to boil, unaware that someone had quietly slipped in at the kitchen door, and even less aware that several kitchen maids, seemingly busy with their tasks, were casting glances in this direction, both intentionally and unintentionally

Creak!

Feng Zhiwei lowered her eyes to look at the hard steamed bun in her hand—"Shall I heat it up for you?" Such a casual remark, while the kitchen is currently bustling with activity. Do I have the time to heat up a bun for you?

... ... the person known as the Fire Phoenix, the female commander Qiu Mingying ... ... '' She suddenly stood up, supporting herself on the table, and brought her delicate, flower-like face close to Lady Feng's, her eyes piercing into hers, `` ... ... dead, already dead. ''

The aftershocks had not yet subsided, and the cabbage bowl with a broken half tilted, splashing soup directly onto Feng Zhiwei. Feng Zhiwei looked down, a faint smile lingering on her lips, yet she did not move an inch, not even her eyelashes stirred.

Feng Zhiwei had no expression— as an adopted daughter, she should not show any dissatisfaction towards the affection bestowed upon the son of others

In the most remote northwest corner of the Qiu residence, a small courtyard stood with its door half-open. This courtyard had no name; it was originally part of the servants' quarters but was later allocated for the residence of the Qiu family's grandaunt. At least she could be considered a master, so a low wall was erected to separate it from the servants' quarters, providing a semblance of dignity for the former young lady of the Qiu family. However, this was the extent of that dignity, as everything else in the courtyard was identical to the furnishings and provisions found in the servants' quarters.

Seeing Feng Zhiwei enter, she cautiously took a steamed bun and called out to Feng Zhiwei: "Wei'er, come eat"